UNCOVERING UTICA'S GEMS - Clinton - Hamilton College

society
emerson
literary
society
most of us can say we’ve visited the ELS
building for a party or to wait for the Jitney,
but most do not know the original
purpose of the building, how the building
got its name, or that people actually
lived in ELS only a few decades ago.
The Emerson Literary Society was originally founded to
provide an alternative outlet for students who wanted to belong to a
group that wasn’t necessarily Greek, but would still allow for close relationships
with a group of people with similar or different interests.
125 years later that premise still serves the current group of approximately
40 members. Not surprisingly, Ralph Waldo Emerson was
the inspiration for creating the society and every meeting is kicked
off with one of his quotes.
The building itself has had a long history. The house was built
in 1928, and members lived together, buying and preparing their
own food, and taking care of the house—similar to the co-op today.
When Kirkland College was founded, both the society and the
house became co-ed. Then, in the early 90’s, the college disbanded
all Greek housing, and included ELS on the list. However, unlike
the Greek organizations, ELS did not fight the college. Instead, ELS
made a bargain; they would rent the house to the college. Later on
ELS sold it back. From the sale, $100,000 was placed into a trust in
which there is an Emerson Literary Scholarship available.
38 the continental | autumn 2008
The building will once again be going through some changes in
a few years—the renovations will place the student publications and
the radio station in ELS, as well as creating new social spaces for student
meetings and a café on the third floor. However, the Emerson
Literary Society will have their own private space, and the building
will still retain its name and front.
The society itself is responsible for a number of activities around
campus, including the “Tell Me What You Know” lecture series. Past
speakers have included an organic farmer, a female astronaut, a flute
beat boxer, and a graphic novelist. ELS is also known on campus for
its popular themed parties, including Welcome Back to Wonderland,
Smoking Word, Cabaret, and Rocky Horror. This year, ELS is even
putting on a performance of Rocky Horror Picture Show Party in the
Event Barn in addition to the party. “Whether it be through lectures
or parties,” says Ashley Stagner ’09, a member of ELS, “we like to
bring something different, something eclectic to the campus.”
-rachel pohl ’11